Space Systems Engineer Jobs

Explore Space Systems Engineer opportunities with organizations developing spacecraft, satellites, launch vehicles, and other mission-critical technologies. These roles bring together engineering disciplines to define, integrate, test, and operate complex systems for commercial, civil, and national security missions. Ladders features vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more, helping experienced engineers find opportunities aligned with their skills and career goals.

What Does a Space Systems Engineer Do?

Space Systems Engineers guide a mission or product from early requirements through design, integration, verification, and operations. They translate mission objectives into technical requirements, coordinate interfaces across hardware and software teams, evaluate system-level risks, and help ensure that components work together reliably in demanding environments.

Common Responsibilities and Specialties

Responsibilities vary by employer and program, but may include requirements management, architecture development, trade studies, interface control, modeling and simulation, integration and test planning, verification, and technical coordination. Related specialties include spacecraft systems, satellite communications, avionics, guidance, navigation and control, payloads, launch systems, ground systems, and mission operations.

Skills and Qualifications

Employers commonly seek a degree in aerospace, electrical, mechanical, systems, or a related engineering field, along with experience on complex technical programs. Useful skills include systems engineering methods, requirements and configuration management, risk analysis, technical documentation, and cross-functional communication. Depending on the role, familiarity with standards, modeling tools, hardware and software integration, or security clearance requirements may also be important.

Space Systems Engineer Salary and Career Outlook

Compensation depends on experience, location, employer, mission area, and the scope of the role. Senior and specialized positions can offer strong earning potential, particularly for engineers with a record of delivering complex programs. Browse Ladders for vetted Space Systems Engineer jobs paying $100,000 or more, and compare roles by responsibilities, qualifications, and career opportunity.

Find Space Systems Engineer Jobs on Ladders

Whether your background is in spacecraft design, satellite programs, launch vehicles, or mission integration, Ladders can help you discover high-paying professional opportunities. Review current openings and find a role where your systems expertise can contribute to the next generation of space missions.

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$120K - $160K *

Elevate systems engineering excellence by leading critical activities for a high-priority defense program. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver innovative solutions that meet stringent...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Lead critical systems engineering efforts for a high-priority nuclear modernization program, ensuring innovative solutions meet mission requirements while adhering to schedule and cost constraints. Co...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $140K *

Innovate with us to drive the development of advanced systems engineering solutions. Collaborate in a dynamic team to design, prototype, and transition cutting-edge technologies in undersea defense an...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Advance your career by collaborating with a dynamic team to design, document, and test innovative systems for undersea defense and automated test equipment, ensuring successful prototype development a...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$130K - $170K *

Join a dynamic team to design and execute satellite operations, collaborating with engineers to develop procedures and tools. Tackle challenges in a fast-paced environment while ensuring reliable miss...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$107K - $204K *

Lead the charge in developing system-level solutions for missile defense, guiding cross-functional teams in architecture and requirements. Utilize Model-Based Systems Engineering to analyze and enhanc...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$85K - $158K *

Engineer your future by leading structural analysis for advanced aircraft designs. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure safety and performance, while driving innovation in aerospace engin...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$160K - $200K *

Lead the technical direction for complex Naval aviation systems, ensuring Fleet readiness and safety. Drive architecture, requirements, and integration while mentoring engineers and collaborating with...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$161K - $241K *

Transform your career by leading a dynamic Systems Engineering team, overseeing technical performance and organizational support for critical defense programs. Drive innovation while fostering employe...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Join a dynamic team as a Senior Anti-Tamper Engineer, applying systems engineering expertise to enhance DoD weapon systems. Collaborate with government and industry partners to develop innovative anti...

3 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Business Services

$98K - $147K *

Shape the future of propellant technology by driving process development and manufacturing excellence. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to solve complex challenges and enhance safety and qualit...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$162K - $243K *

Lead end-to-end systems engineering integration to tackle complex transport challenges across multiple defense programs, advising senior military leaders and unifying mission threads through holistic...

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Join a dynamic team to enhance GEOINT capabilities through systems engineering, collaborating with government and contractors to drive mission success and optimize processes across the acquisition lif...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$156K - $219K *

Join a team that's pioneering the future of space exploration by leading the development of advanced avionics systems for lunar vehicles. You'll drive technical innovation and ensure the success of cr...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Drive innovative solutions as a Senior Systems Engineer II, overseeing the lifecycle of advanced space payloads. Collaborate across teams to define system architecture, manage requirements, and ensure...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$134K - $241K *

Join a team that's redefining systems engineering excellence by tackling complex challenges in server hardware and software integration. Collaborate with experts to ensure secure, reliable systems tha...

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$84K - $110K *

Lead the charge in optimizing aerospace manufacturing processes, enhancing quality through effective collaboration, technical guidance, and data-driven improvements, ensuring regulatory compliance and...

Reposted yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$145K - $175K *

Explore a pivotal role in systems engineering, supporting TechSIGINT initiatives. Collaborate with stakeholders to integrate capabilities, manage risks, and ensure compliance while driving modernizati...

3 weeks ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Business Services

$143K - $218K *

Empower innovation by developing and enhancing trajectory simulation tools, ensuring safety and performance in flight dynamics. Collaborate across engineering disciplines to support suborbital vehicle...

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$90K - $122K *

Innovate your career by leading complex systems engineering projects, integrating advanced technologies for military platforms. Collaborate across disciplines to enhance product lifecycle activities a...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$156K - $234K *

Lead the charge in managing SIPRNet Lab operations, ensuring compliance and security while supporting program managers. Collaborate across teams to maintain accreditation and optimize budget managemen...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$151K - $226K *

Engineer innovative Digital and Systems Engineering solutions, leading complex MBSE and DE projects. Collaborate across disciplines to enhance space and defense systems, ensuring best practices and li...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$150K - $180K *

Drive the design, integration, and deployment of complex systems, leading technical projects from requirements to field support. Collaborate across teams to ensure effective solutions that enhance urb...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$183K - $261K *

Unlock potential by leading satellite command and control systems' architecture and integration. Guide technical direction, mentor engineers, and interface with partners on high-impact challenges in a...

4 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$100K - $275K *

Unlock innovative solutions by defining and verifying system requirements, driving multidisciplinary teams, and enhancing operational efficiency within a model-based systems engineering framework...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What is a Space Systems Engineer?question toggle

    A Space Systems Engineer coordinates the technical elements of a space mission or product, translating mission goals into requirements and helping teams design, integrate, verify, and operate systems such as spacecraft, satellites, launch vehicles, and ground systems.

  • What qualifications do Space Systems Engineer jobs typically require?question toggle

    Many roles require a bachelor's degree in aerospace, systems, electrical, mechanical, or a related engineering discipline, plus relevant experience with complex systems. Some positions may prefer an advanced degree or require specialized technical experience or a security clearance.

  • What skills are important for Space Systems Engineers?question toggle

    Commonly valued skills include requirements development, system architecture, interface management, risk analysis, integration and verification, modeling and simulation, technical writing, and the ability to coordinate across engineering disciplines.

  • How much do Space Systems Engineers earn?question toggle

    Pay varies with experience, location, employer, specialty, and program responsibility. Ladders focuses on vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more, including qualifying Space Systems Engineer opportunities.

  • Where can Space Systems Engineers work?question toggle

    They may work for aerospace and defense contractors, commercial space companies, satellite and communications providers, government agencies, research organizations, or companies building launch, spacecraft, payload, and ground systems.